CABINET Secretary for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said the reopening of Newbridge Road will prove "invaluable" after a frustrating four year wait. 

The B5605 road was subject to a landslip in 2021 during Storm Christoph, and has remained closed ever since, with January set to mark the fourth anniversary of the closure. 

Its closure has proven a huge frustration for residents, and caused traffic "chaos" in Llangollen and surrounding areas when the A483 viaducts are closed during inclement weather.

£2.8m of Welsh Government funding was secured in April 2022, with hopes the road would be open towards the end of 2023.

Wrexham Council has given an estimated completion date of spring next year - despite concerns of funding.

Ken SkatesKen Skates (Image: Newsquest) Following the heavy rainfall from Storm Bert over the weekend, areas across Wrexham and Flintshire have also been hit with landslides. 

Ken Skates, MS for Clwyd South, which covers the Newbridge area told the Leader that he was looking forward to the road reopening amid a "difficult" time for residents. 

He said: "Really looking forward to the road being completed and reopened.

"It’s been an incredibly difficult time for residents, motorists and even for emergency services not to have an alternative route during emergency incidents.

"Having the road complete will be invaluable for everybody.

"The A483 is one of the most heavily populated roads and having an alternative route is important."

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Jones Bros, who started work on the site in September, have been providing updates on their dedicated Facebook page in recent months. 

After recently holding a public information event, they have issued the following updates on some frequently asked questions. 

A spokesperson said: "No temporary speed reduction will be introduced on the B5605. All haulage companies will however be briefed on the current traffic levels of the B5605 and advised to keep to 30mph when going through Pentre Village. All site operatives will be briefed on keeping to the site speed limits and any found breaking this rule will be refused future entry on to the site.

"We will offer a public walk through of the scheme once the works are complete and prior to the re-opening of the road - this will be organised next year.

"Following a separate consultation process by WCBC, the speed limit along the landslip area will be reduced to 40mph and this will extend from the bridge at Newbridge to the A5 Junction. No changes will be made to the speed limit outside of the scheme boundary."